Katherine Evelyn Christmas passed from this life at the family home on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at the age of 66. Born in Russellville, Ky., on July 21, 1947 to Rufus and Elizabeth Tanner, Katherine was the third daughter of four children. After what can only be described as a rambunctious childhood, she married Willie Christmas in 1965. As a Navy couple, they briefly lived in Memphis, Tenn., and San Diego before settling in Oak Harbor, Wash., in 1967.
Their daughter, Holly, was born in 1968, followed by son Noel two years later. Katherine was a devoted, fun mom and loving wife. She coached softball, hosted Cub Scouts and served in her kids’ classrooms so much that she wound up working as an instructional assistant at Crescent Harbor Elementary for 20 years.
For 14 years, Willie and Katherine owned and operated Christmas’ Silver Lake Tree Farm, where Katherine served as chief wreath maker and her skill at making happy cocoa was legendary. Taking her last name to heart, Katherine embraced Christmas with a zeal for giving, loving and spreading joy to all those around her.
She always made sure people had the best holiday possible, whether it was providing their holiday centerpiece or secretly shopping for a family in need.
Her real calling came at the arrival of her grandchildren, Zachary and Emily, to whom she wielded the expertly honed “mom skills” she’d worked so hard to attain.
Volunteering in the La Conner Schools, Katherine rarely missed one of her grandchildren’s soccer, basketball or baseball games —- so much so that her yells from the sidelines for her grandson to rise to University of Kentucky basketball standards became a rally cry for parents all around her.
In addition to calling Whidbey Island home for almost 47 years, Katherine loved Kentucky. Her biannual trips to Logan County, affectionately referred to as home, continued to be a highlight in her life.
Passionately devoted to family — and her friends were family –– Katherine selflessly gave of her time and talents to all those she held dear, especially her husband of 48 years, Willie.
Since their retirement in 1995, Willie and Katherine pursued various interests — besides the adoration of their grandchildren — such as travel, square dancing, classic cars, camping, fishing and time with friends.
Katherine is survived by her husband, Willie Christmas; daughter, Holly Christmas-Harris; son, Noel Christmas; daughter-in-law, Jessica Christmas; grandson, Zachary Harris; and granddaughter, Emily Harris. In Kentucky, she is survived by her brother Tootie Tanner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Katherine will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Wallin Funeral Home with Certified Life Celebrant Gary Wallin officiating. All are invited to a reception at the funeral home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Katherine may be sent to Secret Santa, Soroptimist International of
La Conner, PO Box 1049, La Conner, Wash., 98257.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences at Katherine’s “Book of Memories” page online at www.wallinfuneral home.com
